Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have emerged as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by containing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers an approximately 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to obtain, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp provides 100mg, the optimal quantity for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional screenings, or testing beyond 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four phases in laboratory processing of a drug test finding include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary introduction of a sample into a lab’s system. This involves checking that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While efficient and economical for ruling out drug presence in most samples, a positive screening result must be confirmed for legal validity. Any samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during the Screening step, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is done on the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Auburn, CA: A key advantage of hair tests over traditional urine tests is their superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing offers a comprehensive view, detecting drug use over a prolonged period, ensuring stringent monitoring where it matters most.
Extended Detection Window in Auburn, CA: Hair follicle testing shines with its ability to spot drug use over an extensive period of up to 90 days. This provides employers with an in-depth understanding of an individual's substance use history, reinforcing more informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Auburn, CA: Hair follicle tests are designed to resist tampering, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. Such robust measures ensure the results' reliability remains unquestionable, making it a favored choice among professionals.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Auburn, CA: Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures quick and hassle-free access to testing services. Whether local or nationwide, acquiring a test is both efficient and straightforward.
Simple, Confidential Process in Auburn, CA: The process of ordering, undertaking, and receiving results is engineered to be simple and confidential. Designed with privacy in mind, it alleviates concerns and ensures ease of use for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Auburn, CA: Our competitive pricing structures paired with speedy turnaround times offer exceptional value, catering to companies of varying scales while ensuring peace of mind and financial satisfaction.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Auburn, CA: Hair follicle tests stand out for their precision and swiftness in detecting substance use. These tests are renowned for their accuracy, ensuring every instance of use over an extended period is identified, offering peace of mind to employers and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Auburn, CA: Adopting hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal liabilities and fortifying a safe working environment, providing employers with reassurance and security.
